Piece Makers Art Exhibition

A unique exhibition which explores the themes of soldier recovery and rehabilitation will open at The Fusilier Museum on the 14th January 2015. This exciting exhibition is the culmination of a two-year creative collaboration between the National Army Museum, contemporary artist Susan Stockwell and soldiers in rehabilitation. Visitors to the exhibition will have the chance to learn about the story of this innovative collaboration, and view a large-scale textile-based artwork, Peace Maker, Susan’s personal response to this highly moving and at times challenging commission. Using discarded Army blankets to create a dark and light patchwork quilt – resonant of the fragmentary and ultimately peaceful recovery experience – the textile is reminiscent of a chessboard. It refers in this sense to the ‘game’ of war, as well as carrying traditional connotations of patchwork as a shared making process and intertwining of personal histories. At the textile’s centre sits the work of participating veteran Michael Crossan, whose poignant screen print captures the essence of soldiers in war. The surrounding patchwork squares feature quotes, poems and words sewn by Susan. Penned in the most part by the artist herself, these are inspired by conversations with participant soldiers, with some of the soldiers’ own words also featured. The reverse side of the work is an evocative silk flag in Army colours, simply containing the word ‘Peace’. In this way, the textile is also a reflection of Susan’s response to the NAM’s extensive Collection and her own views on conflict.
Admission
Entry included in the normal admission price.

Source: http://www.culture24.org.uk//am37879?id=EVENT513682